In a lively seaside town known equally for its medieval castle and its ice cream parlour, this ancient coaching inn is today a ‘friendly’ hotel with updated bedrooms, a stylish restaurant, and a well-preserved pub whose wonky doors, open fireplace and old photographs create much atmosphere.

On the site of the Roman Forum, this sleek Bailgate area hotel is ‘superbly’ located between cathedral and castle. Comfortable, compact bedrooms in the main building, modishly decorated in earthy hues, overlook the castle walls or have views of the medieval cathedral. Courtyard rooms are in the peaceful 250-year-old coach house, all conveniently on the ground floor, with parking just outside.

Within an architect-designed complex, this contemporary hotel enjoys a ‘prime position’ in the ‘serene grounds’ of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. At breakfast in the busy refectory or on the terrace, a ‘small buffet’ and ‘well-served’ hot dishes lay heavenly foundations for the day. Guests have free admission to the cathedral and its precincts, and discounts at local restaurants, ‘many within easy walking distance’.

The Yorke Arms is now an exclusive use venue. In the rolling Yorkshire Dales, the creeper-covered 18th-century shooting lodge, with extensive gardens, has an ‘unsurpassed’ location and dominates tiny Ramsgill. Inside, antiques and squashy sofas, plus hand-painted hessian wallpaper, are set against flagged floors and beamed ceilings. Bedrooms feature earthy colours and quirky themes: ‘Brew’ has teapot-patterned curtains. There are classy bathrooms and monogrammed linen. ‘The vegetable, fruit and flower gardens are wonderful, a real joy to walk around.’ Good walks from the door, too.

Walking distance from the attractions of South Kensington, this ‘elegant yet hip, fun’ hotel is ‘conveniently located’ for museum-hoppers and shop-till-you-droppers.

Above the busy esplanade, a glitzy hotel with views over the Thames estuary and Southend’s iconic pier. Mood lighting and metallic finishes add allure to Aurum bar and restaurant, open all day from breakfast through to fine dining fare in the evening. On sunny days the terrace takes on a jaunty holiday air.

Just outside Ipswich, a country house hotel with a relaxed atmosphere. Modern, spacious bedrooms have large beds, luxury toiletries, and a minibar stocked with complimentary soft drinks and biscuits. The informal restaurant is open all day for brasserie dishes such as Ingley Dell pork fillet, roasted breast of Sutton Hoo chicken and chargrilled steaks. Overlooking sweeping lawns, a covered terrace is ideal for outdoor dining or afternoon tea.